Street food is an essential part of Brazil’s culinary heritage, offering a delicious mix of bold flavors, diverse ingredients, and cultural influences. Whether you’re exploring the vibrant streets of Rio de Janeiro or São Paulo, one thing is certain: you won’t go hungry! Today, I’m here to take you on a mouth-watering journey through some of the top Brazilian street foods you need to try. From the rich and spicy acarajé to the beloved coxinha, let’s dive into the world of must-try street food in Brazil.
What Makes Brazilian Street Food So Special?
Brazilian street food reflects the country’s rich history, blending African, Indigenous, and Portuguese influences with modern flavors. It’s more than just food—it’s an experience that brings people together. Whether you’re visiting Brazil’s bustling food markets or enjoying a snack by the beach, you’ll notice that each bite tells a story of Brazil’s vibrant food culture.
1. Acarajé
The first on our list is acarajé, a deep-fried ball of black-eyed pea dough, filled with shrimp, spices, and topped with vatapá, a creamy sauce made from peanuts and coconut milk. Originating from Bahia, this dish carries African roots and is often served by women known as baianas. The crispy, savory texture with a hint of spice makes it a must-try when visiting Brazil.
Best served at: Street vendors in Salvador, Bahia
Price range: $2–$3 per serving
Where to find: Northeastern Brazil, especially Bahia
2. Coxinha
Coxinha is Brazil’s answer to the ultimate comfort food. Shaped like a chicken drumstick, this fried dough snack is stuffed with shredded chicken and cream cheese, then coated in breadcrumbs. It’s crispy on the outside, soft and flavorful on the inside, and perfect for any time of day.
Best served at: Food kiosks and markets
Price range: $1–$2 per unit
Where to find: Everywhere in Brazil, from local food stalls to bakeries
3. Pastel
One of the most popular snacks in Brazilian food markets, pastel is a thin, crispy pastry stuffed with a variety of fillings, such as cheese, ground beef, or heart of palm. Fried to golden perfection, pastéis are often paired with sugarcane juice (caldo de cana) for an authentic Brazilian food experience.
Best served at: Food markets like the Mercadão in São Paulo
Price range: $1–$3 each
Where to find: All over Brazil, especially in São Paulo
4. Pão de Queijo
If you’re a cheese lover, pão de queijo is a street food you cannot miss. These bite-sized cheese bread rolls are made from tapioca flour and are light, fluffy, and full of cheesy goodness. They are often enjoyed as a breakfast or afternoon snack.
Best served at: Bakeries and street vendors
Price range: $0.50–$1 each
Where to find: All across Brazil, with Minas Gerais as the top region
5. Tapioca
Tapioca, made from cassava flour, is Brazil’s version of a gluten-free crepe. It’s filled with either sweet or savory ingredients like coconut, condensed milk, cheese, or ham. It’s light, delicious, and perfect for a quick snack while walking the streets.
Best served at: Street stalls and food carts
Price range: $1–$3 per tapioca
Where to find: Rio de Janeiro and the Northeast regions
6. Espetinho
Espetinho means “little skewer,” and that’s exactly what it is—grilled meat on a stick, usually beef, chicken, or sausage. These are seasoned to perfection and grilled right in front of you. It’s one of the most popular snacks to have alongside a cold beer, especially in the evenings.
Best served at: Street vendors and beach stalls
Price range: $2–$5 each
Where to find: All across Brazil
7. Kibe
Originally of Middle Eastern origin, kibe is a deep-fried snack made of bulgur wheat and ground beef, seasoned with garlic and mint. It’s crunchy on the outside and juicy on the inside, making it a favorite in Brazil’s street food scene.
Best served at: Street vendors and food trucks
Price range: $1–$2 per unit
Where to find: Mostly in big cities like São Paulo and Rio
8. Brigadeiro
No list of Brazilian street foods would be complete without brigadeiro. Though more of a dessert than a snack, this bite-sized chocolate treat is a must-try. Made from condensed milk, cocoa powder, and butter, then rolled in chocolate sprinkles, it’s Brazil’s beloved sweet that you can find at any food market or bakery.
Best served at: Bakeries and food stalls
Price range: $0.50 each
Where to find: All across Brazil
Brazilian Street Foods: Quick Reference Table
| Street Food | Description | Price Range | Best Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acarajé | Fried black-eyed pea dough with shrimp and vatapá | $2–$3 per unit | Salvador, Bahia |
| Coxinha | Shredded chicken in fried dough | $1–$2 per unit | Nationwide |
| Pastel | Fried pastry with savory fillings | $1–$3 each | São Paulo |
| Pão de Queijo | Cheese-filled bread rolls | $0.50–$1 each | Nationwide |
| Tapioca | Cassava crepes with sweet or savory fillings | $1–$3 each | Rio de Janeiro, Northeast |
| Espetinho | Grilled meat skewers | $2–$5 per skewer | Nationwide |
| Kibe | Fried bulgur wheat and beef snack | $1–$2 per unit | São Paulo, Rio |
| Brigadeiro | Chocolate fudge balls | $0.50 each | Nationwide |
Wrapping It Up
Brazilian street food is full of rich flavors, fascinating history, and incredible diversity. From the sizzling espetinhos on the beach to the warm, cheesy pão de queijo on a cool afternoon, these are just a few of the top street foods in Brazil that you absolutely need to try.
Whether you’re planning your next trip to Brazil or just daydreaming about it, the vibrant food culture of Brazil will not disappoint!
